Question

A body of mass 10 kg is at a height of 5 m above the surface of the Earth. What is the gravitational potential energy of the body? (Take \( g = 10 \, \text{m/s}^2 \))

• A. 50 J
• B. 500 J
• C. 100 J
• D. 250 J

Hint:

Remember: The gravitational potential energy is \( U = mgh \), where \( m \) is the mass, \( g \) is the gravitational acceleration, and \( h \) is the height.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Provided Data: Mass \( m = 10 \, \text{kg} \), Height \( h = 5 \, \text{m} \), Gravitational acceleration \( g = 10 \, \text{m/s}^2 \)

Calculation of Gravitational Potential Energy:
The formula for gravitational potential energy is \( U = mgh \).
Substituting the given values: \( U = (10 \, \text{kg})(10 \, \text{m/s}^2)(5 \, \text{m}) \)
This results in: \( U = 500 \, \text{J} \)

Conclusion: The calculated gravitational potential energy is 500 J, corresponding to option (b).